The qualification was a welcome shock to this year’s Australian cross-country champion who had been targeting the world championships in his pet event, the 3000m steeplechase, having run agonisingly close to the required 8:32 several times.

McSweyn has already worn the green and gold this year, representing Australia at the IAAF world cross-country championships in Uganda in March.

He joins fellow UTAS Athletics Club members Hamish Peacock (javelin) and Josh Harris (marathon) plus Launceston-born Sydneysider Milly Clark (marathon) on the list of athletes qualified for the world titles to be held in London from August 5.